Foreign Body in the Zygomatic Region from an Assault Foreign Body in the Zygomatic Region from an Assault

Abstract

Objective: Foreign body in the maxillofacial region may be implanted traumatically, iatrogenically, or inadvertently. This article presents a case of stab injury on the face of a 25-year-male with a biro pen and its consequent retention for two years within the facial tissues before removal. This foreign body elicited several episodes of pain, swelling and pus discharge for which patient took numerous analgesics and antibiotics with little relief.

Findings: Facial asymmetry with swelling around the left zygomatic region with a discharging sinus on the central aspect of the swelling. The immediate surrounding skin appeared darker. An impression of foreign body retention was made. Radiograph showed a linear radiopaque object extending downward from the left zygomatic arch to the lateral side of the left maxilla. Patient could not afford a CT. From the presenting history, examination and the radiograph, foreign body retention was confirmed with a planned exploration. Consent was obtained and exploration under local anaesthesia extracted a 4.5cm broken part of a biro pen from the injury site. The lumen of the biro was filled with blood-stained pus. The area was irrigated thoroughly and sutures were placed. The post op review one year after was uneventful.

Conclusion: Stab injuries to the face can result in retention of the stab object. This necessitates the use of the appropriate imaging technique and a thorough search of the injury site during treatment to prevent prolonged retention of such objects and related complications.